Men's Health League

The Men’s Health League is a Cambridge initiative which addresses the prevention of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, especially in men of color. Men of color are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, as well as other chronic diseases. The Men’s Health League has designed integrated programs to increase physical activity, support healthy eating, and educate men about key health topics.

Cambridge has a strong foundation in men’s health, starting with the formation of the Men of Color Task Force in 1991 and subsequently the Men of Color Health Initiative (MOCHI) in 1993. In 2007, federal grant funding from the Office of Minority Health helped start a partnership between the Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House, Cambridge Health Alliance, and the Cambridge Family YMCA to expand on this work and bridge community-based organizations with health care services through the Men’s Health League.

One key to success for the Men's Health League has been its core group of volunteers, the Men's Health Team. The Men's Health Team members mentor participants in the Fit For Life program, help organize community events to promote men's health, and serve as role models in the community.

Now based at the Cambridge Public Health Department, the Men’s Health League encourages men throughout Cambridge to make health a priority. In addition to working locally on men's health, the team is regularly contacted by groups in Massachusetts and elsewhere to provide expertise on helping men of color take better care of their health.